In every interaction you are doing one of two things.

I was presenting to a group of lawyers a few years back about how to build their networks and get more business. Blecht.

But in preparing for the presentation, I had a friend share with me his number one tip for networking and it changed the way I see the world:

Be exothermic: Produce more energy than you consume.

Like the sun. Or a hydrogen bomb. Give off more energy than you consume. Knowing what you do best and doing it isn’t enough. You have to find ways to add value to those around you. Some people are really good at this. They actively seek opportunities on a day-to-day basis to add value to others’ lives. Other people are excellent energy vampires. They drain the energy from others faster than it can be replenished.

Your goal, then, is to add tremendous value and the best way to do this is to leverage your talents. Share what you do best with the world without expecting anything in return.
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In every interaction you are either adding value or taking it. Those who are most successful find ways to add it.